It took four-and-half hours of planning, blocking, messing up and fine-tuning, but the hard work finally yielded that one perfect take. For some time, a script had been languishing on my computer, unrealized. A riff on the Old Spice Guys commericials, I was hoping to put a cool/quirky spin on my workplace. And as I yelled, “Cut!” for the final time, I knew it was finally going to see the light of day.

I don’t do nearly as much film work as I would like, so when I get a chance to make a video, I don’t pass it up. It was this and a contest through Expect More Arizona that brought this particular project to fruition. For an entire afternoon, the staff cleared their schedules to take part in my latest crazy plan: A one-minute promo with 20 prop and costume changes in one single, uncut shot.

No wonder it took us so long to do.

At first, the process was slow as I tried to get everyone to see what I was imagining. Props were mixed up, lines were flubbed, focus drifted. But gradually, the team honed in on their tasks and a beautiful ballet of coats and superhero masks and money boas fell into place.

I’m proud of what we accomplished that afternoon. It’s fun, informative and ambitious. But, that’s not enough to win this thing. For help, I’m turning to you. I don’t usually use this platform to ask you for anything, but I’m going to break that precedent this once. All I ask is your vote.

Head to this link and vote for my video: http://www.expectmorearizona.org/excellence-tour/stories/because-youre-awesome/. You can vote once per day per device from now until Friday, March 15. At stake is a $1,000 grant for our little nonprofit and/or an iPad for the office. All it takes is two clicks and I’d very much appreciate your help.

You’re awesome.

— 30 —

Jonny Eberle is a writer and photographer in Flagstaff, AZ, but he also has a real job. And if you help by voting for his video, you’ll help him keep that real job. So, really, your vote has a real impact on the economy. You can also follow his thoughts on all things great and miniscule on Twitter: @jonnyeberle.

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